European UnionMy train was delayed 90 minutes. Am I entitled to compensation?
Yes, if your train was delayed by at least 60 minutes and operated within the EU, you are generally entitled to compensation of 25% or 50% of the ticket price, depending on the delay length.
What the Law Says
The right to rail passenger rights and compensation in the EU is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007. It sets minimum standards for assistance and compensation when delays occur.
Under EU law, if your train is delayed by at least 60 minutes at your final destination, you are entitled to financial compensation — unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the carrier’s control (e.g., extreme weather, strikes not involving the railway company, or natural disasters).
The amount depends on the length of the delay: 25% of the ticket price for delays between 60 and 119 minutes; 50% for delays of 120 minutes or more. You may also choose a full refund plus return transport if you no longer wish to travel.
This applies to all international rail services and most domestic services in EU countries — with limited exceptions for some local or heritage operators explicitly excluded by national law.
Statutory TextWhere a train is delayed by at least 60 minutes at the place of destination, the railway undertaking shall offer the passenger the choice between: (a) reimbursement of the full cost of the ticket for the part of the journey not made, and of the part already made if the journey no longer serves any purpose in relation to the passenger’s original travel plan; and (b) continuation or re-routing, under comparable conditions, to the final destination at the earliest opportunity or at a later date chosen by the passenger.
— Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, Art. 17(1)
Statutory TextIn addition to the options referred to in paragraph 1, where the delay is at least 60 minutes, the railway undertaking shall compensate the passenger in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4.
— Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, Art. 17(2)
Statutory TextThe compensation shall be: (a) 25 % of the ticket price for delays of at least 60 minutes but less than 120 minutes; (b) 50 % of the ticket price for delays of at least 120 minutes.
— Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, Art. 17(3)
What to Do
Check your ticket and delay confirmation (e.g., app notification, station display, or email) showing arrival time at your final destination.
Contact the railway company within 3 months of travel — usually via online claim form, email, or post.
Provide proof: ticket copy, delay evidence, and bank details for refund.
If denied without valid reason (e.g., no extraordinary circumstances proven), escalate to your national enforcement body (NEB).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.